Blessings through the generations

I was asked by Grafted Branch to report on how the home school visit to the retirement center went this week.

As I mentioned, it was the first time we met. God had layed it clearly on my heart to start this simple outreach, which would hopefully not only bless the residents, but our children, as well.
Let me just add that it is kind of rare for me to hear this type of message so clearly...I think the busy clutter of my life sometimes interferes with the hearing ability and God's signal always getting through!

Well, it went very well, in spite of my somewhat shaky (and humbling) beginning. You see, as the coordinator of this event, I had hoped, naturally, to be the first to arrive. I had sent out the address, website link, explained where it was, ect. to everyone planning to participate.
I had somehow had it in my head that I knew exactly how to get there...but having only been there just once, and over a month ago, I forgot one simple side street.
Map, you ask? Directions? I left the house without them, not worrying in the least...
until I wandered on various sidestreets that were SO close, but yet so far....being stalled behind a school bus for about five whole minutes...hitting every red light possible...

I finally found it, dashed in with my two little girls in tow, and though I may only have been six or seven minutes late...it was a bit embarressing to rush into the game room to find all my group assembled and already seriously into their board games with a few residents.

Major HUMILITY moment...

But perhaps this was the Lord's way of making it crystal clear from day 1 that this was His ministry...certainly not mine!
And in spite of my failure to arrive before them, I was so proud of the way that everyone just rolled up their sleeves and got started, and simply smiled and greeted me when we breathlessly entered.
I was very impressed, but nothing about this incredible group should really surprise me.

But my little tardiness issue was the only down-side for me. The rest of the hour flew by, as we interacted and played simple games such as Rummy, Dominos, and Bingo. There were not many residents this first time, but the few that were there were obviously having a wonderful time.
Some of these folks may not get the chance to be around children that often. And though I'm sure a few of them were probably tired out after an hour with us, I suspect they also felt a bit younger at the same time.

My good friend's son, in particular, made a huge hit with one lady who was playing a game with him. She just went ga-ga over him and was totally in love. And he was enjoying every minute!
At one point, she declared, "Oh, I just love him. My heart is going pitty-pat, pitty-pat!"

It also became obvious that it wouldn't just be the residents- or even the children- who would end of being blessed by our monthly visits. We parents who were there, were also being blessed.
So much so, that most of us were reluctant to leave at the end of the hour.

We plan on taking the group there to Christmas carol next month. We honestly just can't wait!

There is so much that young and old can learn from each other. I could just go on and on about everything that is gained from all of us involved.
I feel so blessed to be a part of it!

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And along the line of ministering to others, I wanted to add a link that I found, in honor of Veteran's Day. It's the A Million Thanks organization where you or your child can write a short letter to a military person currently serving or in a VA hospital.
When you think of our recent election day, it's good to also remember that so many people have sacrificed so much for that right to vote.
My husband was in the military when we were first married, and he received several heart-warming letters from children while on deployment.
My seven year old just wrote one last night and we'll be mailing it today. Go check it out! I think it's another great way to show our children how to minister to be a blessing!

God bless you all and have a wonderful weekend!